I'm Longing For You

[Aveilthé]

OOC: ROLEPLAY WITH ME DEMIN! :angry:

Oh, how her gentle heart beats, a longing soft and true and still unknown to all save for she. It was a time when a young she-wolf's heart springs into dainty blossoms, and not even the harshest could days collide with her timid mind and break the tender stems--it was a day in her thoughts most beautiful. A day that awaits the honey-bee; let him come to her flower, and let love do as it will.

Young Empress Lacrimosa had wandered the forest, preening and singing quietly to herself, a voice sweet and carefree. Her days as a child was numbered; she had entered adulthood and now aged three years. Her birthday was this day, this cold Autumn day, and she willed to spend time in the open where she knew nothing could harm her. She was well learned by now.

Her keen interest in earthly affairs kindled stronger now, fed by the flames of her love, longing to be shared with one individual pictured fondly in her mind. She desired to be found by him, for that was her way. She would not demand his attention. Rather, let him call to her and demand her attention. Still clinging to that childish game, she would oft muse.

She wanted to flirt and play and romp around in the Autumn leaves with him, and spend long hours close to him. She wanted to expose her love for him, for it was still held secret in her heart, but to what cost? Perhaps he would call her silly, for they were dear friends, and dear friends they should remain.

But what good is ruling an empire alone? Emperor Charon professed that he would not remain emperor forever. Sighing her song into the wind, she fell to her stomach to rest, curling her legs beneath her. "Dear Ammon, dear Ammon," she warbled, knowing how foolish it was to sing in the open, but she kept going, enjoying her games. "Does he wander the woods alone? Silly little pup; there are dangers all around. What will you do, dear Ammon, what will you do?"

The song she sang was a common ballad and usually sung to troublesome pups. Ammon was no longer a pup, but she truly enjoyed teasing him every opportunity she could get.

[demin]

OOC: M'KAY

Today was a good day. Charon had given a gift to the Ohm whom he had found an inch away from death two years ago. The years of walking on three legs had finally come to an end. The regent of Giaku had given Ammon a new leg. As far as he understood, it was a fusion of both Giaku's primitive machinery and healing magics. He had been told that the leg was made primarily of silver, and had been enchanted to never dull or tarnish and to respond to his movements as if it were a flesh-and-bone leg. He had also liked the noise it made whenever he walked through the Tower.

Ammon had been sprinting through the forest, putting the renewed limb through a stress test. During his practice he noticed a familiar scent on the wind, belonging to his Empress and childhood friend. He had nearly forgotten in all of his excitement about having four legs again that this day was her birthday. The Ohm broke into a trot toward the source of the scent and could have sworn he heard Lacrimosa singing, and that his name was among the familiar lyrics. Within another few seconds his now pure black eyes caught sight of the Empress of Giaku, quietly singing to herself. Ammon let a small smile play across his muzzle as he walked toward his friend.

"Happy birthday, my Lady." Ammon said, falling back on his habit of using her title. "I thought Lord Charon was gonna bore you with lectures all day?"

[Aveilthé]

"Run, little Ammon, run
Dear, you had your fun
It is time to go home,
For Unbera's reign has begun."

Ammon's scent had been carried away with the wind, as her voice would. She was a siren, luring in his heart. She lowered her voice into a deft whisper and scented the air. When she had finished the final line of the song, Ammon swept into the vicinity.

"Greetings, my dearest friend. Thank you--it pleases me that you remember!" After she blew a raspberry, she saw something glint in the halflight. This left the Empress staring bewilderingly at one of his hind legs. She jumped to all four of her legs, her tail waggling about in excitement at his presence, ears taut and eyes wide. She approached Ammon, looking at his face curiously before letting her her attention get stolen by the metallic leg.

"Oh my--"

It couldn't be helped, the Empress stared at her smiling reflection in his prosthetic leg. "Charon did this, didn't he?" she said, her voice tender as she thought of her Uncle who usually did not look too capable of such kindness. "A noble thing he did for you. How do you like it? Let me see you walk around on it! Come, your Empress has spoken!"

[demin]

As Lacrimosa took notice of his new leg he sat, bringing the silver prosthetic paw up to his head to scratch behind his ears; something he had not been able to do in two years. When he brought his leg down he cocked his head to look at the silver. The enchanted metal seemed as if it were both a liquid and solid, flowing yet not moving at all, unless he wished it. How Charon had made such a wondrous thing was beyond him. Ammon placed his leg back on the ground then looked to Lacrimosa as she spoke.

"I love it! It's taken some getting used to after so long, but I like being able to actually run again." He said excitedly. The Ohm let a small smile spread across his face at Lacrimosa's command, and he mock-bowed to the Empress. "As you wish, my Lady." Ammon then broke into a steady trot, walking circles around Lacrimosa, one could call it a strut. He kept his eyes on the Empress at all times as he circled her, thinking to himself how he had never noticed how beautiful she was. They'd been friends ever since Charon had found him bloodied and beaten and maimed. After the time they'd known each other he couldn't imagine a life without her in it. He began to entertain the thought that maybe they could be something more...

Blood rose to his cheeks when he caught himself thinking about his childhood friend in such a way, thankfully the blushing was hidden by the black fur that covered his face. He circled around her one more time, stopping and bowing once more when he was again in front of her, then rose.

"How was that, my Lady?" He asked, avoiding her gaze in fear she would somehow see the thoughts that now resided in his mind.

[Aveilthé]

A smile, true and immaculate, graced Ammon's performance. She was very happy for him. Conveying this feeling was easy for her; she was good-natured as she was sweet of face. Still so youthful and innocent; politics had hardly scarred her gentle heart.

Her long neck twisted and turned as he circled her, privately thinking how the years had enhanced his features. She, too, felt blood rise in her face, though covered by dark fur. There was no doubt that she felt a strong attraction towards him. No doubt that she could envision herself spending the future loving him.

Certainly this was a new emotion for her, but she was ready to embrace it. She long contemplated it, desiring the fruit of their feelings to burst into bloom. Their were hints in the past of their interest in each other, but how much so was he taken with her?

"Truly, I say unto thee as thy ruler, that thou art a noble wolf."

She grinned stupidly, for she never used this kind of language.

"Thou art worthy of being a general of my forces, dear noble. Or... maybe even more..."

She fell quiet as her face contorted into a more serious expression. It was a bold move for her, but she could not stand beating around the bush with him much longer. Were she to withstand a moment longer of loneliness with nothing but him accompanying her thoughts, she could go mad.

"Ammon..."

The singular name startled even herself in the way she said it. It was a tone of longing, pleading...

[demin]

Ammon took another mock bow at Lacrimosa's hammed up compliments.
"This humble servant thanks you, my Lady." He said, going along with the act and regaining a bit of his composure. What she said next, however, made him whip his head up and stare with wide eyes at the Empress. "Something.... m-more?" He stammered, the blood again rushing to his cheeks. Ammon saw how serious her face had become. He wasn't sure if she had noticed his wandering eyes and was now teasing him about it, or if she, for some reason, actually wanted to be something more than just friends. She wasn't the type to do the former though, not anymore. She'd more or less grown out of doing such things, he thought. He was even more shocked at the way she said his name, as if she were pleading.

"Lacri? Are you saying...?" He asked, trailing off.

[Aveilthé]

Here it comes, the moment of truth. That vital time when a girl professes her love...

Wanting to enjoy the feeling emanating through her entire body, she lifted her head to the old forest canopy and could not help but appreciate every small detail that wavered in her line of sight. She let her eyes drift back to Ammon's towering form.

"Ammon, look to the trees around you. Those things and the land it grows on belong to me. I foresee all aspects from sprawling canyon to humble sand. All our kin of tooth and claw look to me for leadership and strength, but it is a difficult burden to bear alone. Some day I must harness the future of our empire, and what better wolf to help me accomplish these things..." She paused, realizing how ridiculous it sounded.

"I... I cannot imagine ruling an empire without you. You are a dear friend, Ammon... my best friend... take my words with care and love... I speak from my heart, however blunt I may say these things, but I feel they must be said!"

She allowed a moment of silence to follow, the better to think of what she wanted to say. By now she was shivering in anticipation, more so out of fear of being rejected by him. Truly, she could not handle such a thing if it would come to pass.

"I've grown a deep and unyielding passion for you... Every moment I spend with you has softened and tamed my heart, and now it belongs to you if you will take it."

[demin]

Ammon felt like a stone had been dropped in his stomach as Lacrimosa continued to speak. The two had been friends for a relatively short time, and had been adults an even shorter time. Would it really be wise to attempt to be more than just simply friends? If it wasn't meant to be, they would never see each other the same way again. Was it worth it? He couldn't deny that he felt a great deal of affection for his Empress, more than just as a loyal servant of the Empire.

During the small moment of silence he thought it all over, from the moment he had met her when he was nothing but a mutilated pup to the this moment when they were both strong and able adults. The two jagged stumps that had been his wings in years past twitched in anxiety. Lacrimosa finally uttered her love for him, and at that moment he made his decision. Ammon walked toward her, slowly and on legs that felt like giving out. If she allowed it, he would rub his head against hers.

"And my heart belongs to you, my Lady. I love you, Lacri."

[Aveilthé]

How she longed to feel his breath, so warm, on her nose! Now her dreams are becoming a reality. Blinking away crisp tears of joy, she pulled herself close so that her forehead was against him.

"Impossible," she teased, planting kisses on his neck. "My love for you is greater than all the warmth Valo gives us."

It was nearing midday. The clouds, normally dark and menacing, broke away to unveil heaven's majesty. The Empress looked upon Ammon, pride gleaming furiously in her pale eyes. "Wait 'til we tell Uncle." Her teeth glinted mischievously as she smiled. "My Uncle's position is coming to an end..." She stood up, nudging her mate's cheek with her nose. "Ready to show off your new leg--and your new title--to our empire, Emperor Ammon?" Her smile widened. "What a glorious day it has been so far. A girl couldn't ask for a better birthday."

Before they could do anything else, a shadow fell upon them. A horned white beast with clawed wings and scars contorting her body, she looked like a female not to cross. She was not a pretty thing.

Lacrimosa ceased nipping Ammon playfully at his face and looked to the scarred female curiously.

"Yes?" It was hard to hide her annoyance at the intruder. The female narrowed her eyes at the both of them, and spoke thus:

"I am Dirge, a soldier, Empress," she said, with a voice surprisingly youthful--her entire body looked older. "I was walking when I heard that this--creature--became Emperor. Is this true?"

Lacrimosa did not like the way Dirge spoke about her mate like that. "Yes, it is," she said, raising her voice to convey how proud she was. "And I do not regret my decision. He will make a fine Emperor, and if you have something against it, I will strike you down."

Dirge lowered her ears, a sign of respect and submission. "I meant no offense Empress, but I will not deny that I am wary of having a youth as my ruler. I will have difficulty bowing before him."

Lacrimosa had enough. She wrinkled her face and snarled. "Choose your words carefully. They greatly offend! You forget that I too am a youth, but also well-learned."

Certainly, Dirge meant well, and she had not meant to offend. But she was also stubborn. "Empress, I apologize. Boy," she barked at Ammon. "Are you worthy of my service?"

Lacrimosa reared her head, readying to attack.

[demin]

Ammon looked fondly in her eyes and could do nothing but smile. When she reminded him that being her mate meant being the emperor of a nation, something he had forgotten completely about, his heart skipped a beat. He didn't want to lead a nation. He merely wanted to be with Lacrimosa. If that is what it took, however, he would gladly take on that burden alongside her. Ammon kissed and playfully nipped Lacrimosa's neck before the scarred soldier interrupted the happy moment. Instinctively, he bore his teeth and growled at the newcomer, but stopped. Her appearance shocked him momentarily, but anger took its place as she began speaking.

"I survived being torn limb from limb as a pup, won the favor of Lord Charon, and have been chosen by the Empress herself to stand by her side as her Emperor. Who are you to question my worth?" He snarled, his eyes seeming to emit the rage he felt.

[Aveilthé]

It took a lot of will not to pounce on Dirge and demand an apology. Lacrimosa never harmed anyone on purpose before, let alone kill anyone. So she dug her claws into the ground, glaring at the scarred one, savagely gnashing her teeth at her.

Dirge's ears shot up when Ammon spoke. She closed her eyes and gave a swift nod. "Yes, but I too have known terrible abuse. As you can see, beauty has evaded me for a long time. Emperor Charon granted me back my honor and now I live to fight for my Lady. But I am stubborn, and refuse to accept you as my ruler."

"Then you can leave, or I'll force you," growled Lacrimosa, stomping towards Dirge. "You are completely out of line! Ammon is here to stay, and if you cannot accept that, then I will strip you of your position and immediately cast you into exile. Emperor Ammon, do you think that is a befitting punishment?"

Looking wounded by everything, Dirge gazed upon Ammon. There was no respect in her eyes, only sympathy. "Do I not have a right as a valuable soldier of Giaku to challenge the integrity and future of our empire? I care what happens in our homeland. Being that I have trust issues, I want to know if you are truly capable of ruling. Meanwhile I cannot guarantee that you will harness immediate respect by all of Giaku."

[demin]

Ammon listened intently as Dirge spoke. She made sense, a lot of sense, despite her rudeness. After Lacrimosa's defense of him and her decision to Dirge, Ammon shook his head in denial at her suggested punishment, then looked to the Empress.

"No, Lacri. She has a right to question my ascension if she feels it will harm the Empire. Though her manners could be better." he said, then setting his gaze on Dirge. "I know I will not have the respect of all of Giaku, nor even a large amount, for both my age and my race. The only way I believe I may gain the respect of Giaku, and of you, will be to lead by Lacrimosa's side as best I can and not disappoint."

((HURRF DURRF SHORT AND MOSTLY DIALOGUE A;SLKJFD;LKJ))

[Aveilthé]

Dirge listened, feeling grimly satisfied by Ammon's answer. Bringing herself low in a kind of bow as a sign of defeat, she said, "I will be counting on that." With that, she rose up and hastily ambled away.

Grimacing as if Dirge left behind an awful smell, she turned to Ammon. "Don't let her get to you. She's a... a... a tetchy little tart. Personally, I think you'll make a great Emperor. You proved as much the way you handled her."

Though they had a little spat with that female, Lacrimosa wanted the rest of the day to be as perfect as possible. If anything else were to go wrong, she thought that any of her future actions will not be held responsible by her.

[demin]

Ammon responded to Dirge's bow with a slight nod of the head, and watched with narrowed eyes as the soldier shambled away. When the scarred female was out of sight Ammon turned to his new mate as she spoke.

"I was more upset at the interruption." He said, smirking then planting a kiss on Lacrimosa's nose. "How about we find your uncle and tell him the news? I'm anxious to see his reaction."

((Yes, I am so awesome that it takes me hours to type something this short. That takes talent))

[Aveilthé]

"I'm not worried that she'll give us much more trouble." She too smirked, bopping her mate on the nose with her own. "If she does, it'll be the last thing she'll ever do."

Nodding in agreement, she tilted her head and squinted at the distance to where the towers rose with both majesty and melancholy against the swirl of darkening clouds.

"This calls for a feast, just for all three of us. It would be good to fill our bellies while we talk about our future to my uncle."